No retired judge of the
district or superior court may become an emergency judge except upon his
written application to the Governor certifying his desire and ability to serve
as an emergency judge. If the Governor is satisfied that the applicant
qualifies under G.S. 7A-52(a) to become an emergency judge and that he is
physically and mentally able to perform the official duties of an emergency judge,
he shall issue to such applicant a commission as an emergency judge of the
court from which he retired. The commission shall be effective upon the date of
its issue and shall terminate when the judge to whom it is issued reaches the
maximum age for judicial service under G.S. 7A-4.20(a). (1967,
c. 108, s. 2; 1977, c. 736, s. 4; 1979, c. 878, s. 3.)